Factors influencing the choice of engineering careers among Ghanaian women

Abstract

The low participation of women in non-traditional occupations such as engineering continues to be a grave problem in spite of the wide extension of education and vocational opportunities opened to them world-wide. The main purpose of this research was therefore to investigate what militates against the entry of women into the engineering profession and find ways of promoting the interest of women in the engineering profession. The research was exploratory in nature, employing the qualitative case study method. However, a quantitative technique was employed to assist in the data analysis. The data was collected through semi-structured, open-ended interview schedules on an individual, face-to-face basis. Information was also collected from the School of Engineering of the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi by observing students past results and entry requirement tor the engineering programmes. The data collected in transcribed form, were sorted out and put into categories for analysis. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and one-tailed Fisher Exact Probability Test. Results of the study revealed that the participation rate of women in engineering in Ghana was very low for their effective participation in national development. The concentration of both engineering students and practicing women engineers was more in civil engineering than in the other engineering disciplines. Some of the women engineers had parents who were themselves engineers Natural curiosity which comprised interest in science and mathematics and desire to do engineering jobs such as building among others, had the most influence on the career choices of the women engineers. Almost all the women engineers expressed satisfaction With their chosen careers. Respondents had no access to guidance and counselling in both the secondary schools and the universities. The major constraint confronting women engineers in training was difficulty in understanding mathematical concepts. Both women and men engineering respondents perceived the engineering careers as suitable for both men and women provided positive attitude is developed towards it.